It was an honor to photograph a tour of the Church Offices here in Johannesburg by South African government leaders. The main African leader is considered to have a similar role in government to the US “Speaker of the House.” He was a Fulbright Scholar and has a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. It was a pleasure to see how interested he was in learning about our church programs and seeing how they can bless the lives of his fellow countrymen. The entourage of government dignitaries was especially impressed with the Family History Center and noted an African proverb on the wall there that says, “Every time an old man dies, it is as if a library burns down.” He asked if I could help him record his oral history. Other impressive areas of interest involved the church’s teachings regarding personal preparation in the areas of education, financial needs, social skills, spiritual matters, family priorities and emergency food, safety and medical needs. They were shown the leadership pattern used by the church that directs us to follow the pattern set by the Savior. It brought personal satisfaction to note that the wall of one of the church offices was filled with portraits I had taken, a magazine the guests were given had a photo I had taken inside the front and back covers and their tote bags were a personal project of mine that displayed a temple image that Melia and Heather designed from a photograph I captured.
When the tour came to the Employment Resource Center where we work, we were happy to explain the resources and workshops available to help people better prepare for employment, self-employment and self-reliance. Our traditional family values seemed to be appreciated by all of our VIP guests.
At the conclusion of the tour, I was given “10 seconds” to do a group portrait. Then I thanked the guests, invited them to return again and headed back to my office. The main leader called me back and said, “You have spent all of this time and effort taking photographs of us. Now please let us take a photo with you.” What a “class act,” I thought, especially considering their time constraints. Kindness impresses me much more than high-powered positions, wealth or degrees of education. Sensitivity, thoughtfulness and living the “Golden Rule” can prosper a people and bless humanity. Pride can destroy. Being a “class act” seems like a good way to act.
cool experience. you're a great writer mom.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather. :)
DeleteYour skills as a Photographer are serving you well in your mission endeavors. I so enjoyed reading about the Government officials' tour of the Church Offices building. I am also reminded at the presence of the Church in South Africa by such presentations in the Church Office building. Reminds me of the Visitor's Centers on Temple Square. The wall with your photos, the gift bag with your temple photo on it...I can tell you are both SO immersed in the work of the Gospel. Enjoyed your comments on humanity as well. You are having the chance to interact with some very royal and wonderful human beings, both in and outside the Church.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wanda. We are having some amazing "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences. We are so grateful to be here. We learn so much and love these humble people we serve. You are one of the "royal and wonderful human beings we love and appreciate very much. As for the gift bags -- Heather and Melia assisted on that project for the temple children. Public Affairs loved them and now call them VIP gift bags and use them for their special guests and events.
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